Do yo remember the Kanpur based Indian company LML, which used to make the iconic LML Vespa in collaboration with Piaggio & C Spa. It also launched some of its motorcycles like LML Freedom. However, the two-wheeler manufacturer has terminated its Indian operations in 2006. But in recent years, LML has built its own identity in the European markets. Now, the company wishes to regain its lost glory and share in the Indian market, and is planning to relaunch the Freedom motorbike. Along with the Freedom, LML will also manufacture new two-wheelers as well as light-weight three-wheelers.

"LML will initially focus on the Gujarat and Maharashtra markets, apart from Delhi and Punjab where it already operates", Partha Sen Chowdhury, head of sales and marketing, LML told the Bussiness Standard. "The company is now ready to relaunch the old 110cc Freedom motorbike, a two-stroke scooter LML NV, and an all new four-stroke gearless scooter, the Star Automatic, which is dubbed as the "man's scooter". We are also planning to come up with 125cc and 150cc motorbikes, apart from the 125cc Unisex scooters and 150cc and above lifestyle scooters," Chowdhury added.

LML is also planning to launch light-weight three-wheelers for cargo applications. The LML Freedom and Star Automatic will be available in 70 outlets in Delhi and Punjab by mid-May. While in Gujarat and Maharashtra, the products will be launched in three months, Chowdhury said. "We have been able to develop a four-stroke engine and meet euro-emission norms, without altering the vehicle's dimensions, the prime reason why the scooter is popular in the exports market. LML is looking to add at least 12 dealers across Gujarat and 20-25 in Maharashtra. "We are not looking at huge numbers initially, but maybe 50-60 units a dealer per month," Chowdhury said. That would mean 26,640 units a year from Gujarat and Maharashtra, and 50,400 units from Punjab, Delhi and parts of Uttar Pradesh.

Mr. Chowdhury said, "LML exported 40,000 units the last financial year and sold 25,000-28,000 scooters in the domestic market. This was down from 44,435 units (exports) and 31,148 units (domestic) sold in 2011-12."